My journey to becoming a JET Programme ALT began with my passion for teaching. When I first went to Taiwan to pursue a master’s degree in business administration, I never imagined that I would eventually end up teaching English. As I began teaching, I soon discovered how much I loved interacting with my students. They would ask me endless questions about my hobbies, my culture, and my life in India. During some lonely times while living abroad, their kindness and compassion gave me hope, and I found great joy in expressing myself and sharing what I knew with them.
One day, while browsing the Embassy of Japan in India’s website, I discovered that the JET Programme had decided to recruit ALTs from India. I was so excited that I actually emailed the Embassy to confirm the news! I immediately felt that JET was an opportunity that perfectly combined my passion for teaching with my interest in cultural exchange.
When I arrived in Japan, I was surprised by several things. I was particularly fascinated by Japan’s approach to waste management. I had expected Japan to be very clean, but I did not realise that there would often be no public trash cans, and that people are expected to take their rubbish home with them. I was also surprised to learn that tap water is safe to drink. Coming from India, where I was accustomed to drinking purified water, this was something I had to get used to!
I teach at Tottori Nishi High School, where many of my students are academically strong and have a high level of English. I teach around 13–14 classes a week and often prepare advanced-level worksheets and activities for them. While the financial stability provided by the JET Programme has certainly been rewarding, the most fulfilling part of my work is seeing my students learn, improve, and become more confident in English.
One of my most cherished experiences has been teaching at my visit school, Tottori Prefectural School for the Blind. One of my students had a visual impairment as well as a learning disability, and I was told that she would not participate in the lesson unless she was allowed to sing first. Since I love singing too, I surprised her during our very first lesson by singing Disney’s “A Whole New World.” She was incredibly happy, and from that day onwards, singing Disney songs together became our little routine.
Living and working in Japan has taught me to become more disciplined, responsible, and independent. It has also taught me that the experience of living abroad is not always easy. There may be heavy snowfall, language barriers, homesickness, or simply days when things do not go according to plan. My advice to future Indian JET applicants is to face these challenges with sincerity, dedication, and an open mind. If you do, JET can become an incredibly meaningful chapter of your life. You will learn far more than you initially expect—not only about Japan, but also about yourself and your own country.
2025 JET EVERYTHING
Ms. Ayushi Rawat
Tottori-Ken Japan
Source: www.in.emb-japan.go.jp
